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The Story of Waffen SS General Kurt Panzer Meyer

Jaime Mitchell

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Published in Grenadiers: The Story Of Waffen SS General Kurt Panzer Meyer (Stackpole Military History Series)

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Grenadiers: The Story of Waffen SS General Kurt "Panzer" Meyer (Stackpole Military History Series)

by Kurt Meyer

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	16066 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	436 pages

Kurt Meyer was one of the most successful and controversial Waffen SS generals of World War II. He was a charismatic leader who inspired his men to fight with fanatical determination, but he was also accused of war crimes. This book tells the story of Meyer's life and career, from his early days as a soldier in the Wehrmacht to his trial and execution by the British after the war. It is a fascinating and complex portrait of a man who was both a hero and a villain.

Early Life and Career

Kurt Meyer was born in Jerxheim, Germany, on December 23, 1910. He joined the Wehrmacht in 1931 and served as an infantry officer in the 12th Panzer Division during the invasion of Poland in 1939. In 1940, he was transferred to the SS and assigned to the Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler, the personal bodyguard of Hitler. Meyer quickly rose through the ranks and was appointed commander of the 25th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment in 1943.

The Battle of Normandy

The 25th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment was part of the II SS Panzer Corps that fought in the Battle of Normandy in 1944. Meyer's regiment was involved in some of the heaviest fighting of the campaign, and Meyer himself was wounded several times. Despite the heavy losses, Meyer's regiment managed to hold its ground and prevent the Allies from breaking through to Caen.

The Ardennes Offensive

In December 1944, Meyer's regiment was part of the German offensive in the Ardennes. The offensive initially caught the Allies by surprise and made significant gains. However, the Allies eventually managed to halt the German advance and launch a counteroffensive. Meyer's regiment was surrounded and forced to surrender in January 1945.

Trial and Execution

Meyer was captured by the British and charged with war crimes. He was accused of ordering the execution of Canadian prisoners of war during the Battle of Normandy. Meyer denied the charges, but he was convicted and sentenced to death. He was executed by firing squad on September 28, 1947.

Legacy

Kurt Meyer was a controversial figure, and his legacy is still debated today. Some historians believe that he was a war criminal who deserved to be executed. Others believe that he was a brave soldier who was unfairly convicted. Regardless of one's opinion of Meyer, there is no doubt that he was one of the most successful and charismatic Waffen SS generals of World War II.

Grenadiers: The Story of Waffen SS General Kurt "Panzer" Meyer (Stackpole Military History Series)

by Kurt Meyer

4.5 out of 5